Fire by Kristin Cashore

Synopsis:It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she had the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.

Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City, The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there’s more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.

If only she weren’t afraid of becoming the monster her father was.

Review: This is a really cool read.

I liked the idea of monster versions of normal animals: unnaturally colored and vicious. Fire is a human monster, but she hates her powers, and what she can do with them. Her way of trying to deal with what she is, made for a compelling story.

There was also a lot going on with feuding lords, conspiracies, and what not, but that was just a backdrop for the story of Fire’s personal growth in my opinion. Reading about her, about how she tries to bloom after years of hiding away was what made this an interesting story. I will confess though that I love stories where characters are faced with moral dilemmas. What makes a person turn to doing evil? What makes another decide differently?

Although this is the second book in the series, it is chronologically set before Graceling.

This is probably done because a character from Graceling is in this book, and knowing some events in this book might have spoiled some things in Graceling

Even so: I will confess that the events linking this book to Gracelingfelt unnecessary, and they didn’t really add to the story in my opinion. I do wonder however if maybe Fire’s story will have an impact on the next book in this series, and if maybe the linking events in this book will make sense to me once I’ve read Bitterblue.

27 thoughts on “Fire by Kristin Cashore”

I luuuuv her writing! She’s leaning heavily toward literary, but without becoming too precious. She’s still easy to read, but at the same time, she stands out from most other writers of YA fiction. I loved all three books with a passion 🙂 Nice review, Melliane!

For as much as I love fantasy, I can’t belive I haven’t read this series yet! MUST DO THAT!!! I didn’t know this was chronologically set before Graceling, that’s good to know:) Hopefully the link between books becomes stronger for you in Bitterblue!

Argh write in english…
I like the book, in a way I think it’s better than the first, but I was disappointed about Bitterblue : It was a character from Graceling and different of Fire (plot, characters, etc.)

I loved this one, and have also yet to read Bitterblue. I didn’t really get the connection either, besides the character and the fact it is in the same world. So far, this is my favorite in the trilogy though. Great review!

OH this looks so fabulous! I haven’t heard of this author so I need to find this on goodreads and amazon! *wink* What’s not to love about monster versions of normal animals? My ever growing TBR is going to topple over! *snickers*

I’ve had this series on my tbr list and really need to try Graceling. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about its heroine that I know I will most likely devour it. I hope you enjoy Bitterblue as much 🙂

I’ve read the first book not too long ago and I’m a bit mixed about it~ I do hear that Fire is so good, though, although her driving people mad about her beauty (is this right? I’m pulling this from a review I remember reading before) makes me a bit wary.

This series was one of my very first fantasy series, and so it will always hold a special place in my reading-heart 🙂 I’m happy you enjoyed it, Melliane, even if you thought some things could have been even better.
I hope you’ll love Bitterblue!